Movie News

REVIEW: The Great Gatsby

A New York moneyman by way of the Midwest, Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) delves into the socialite pool that is Long Island. The upper crust keep fit by throwing their riches and titles around while never taking suspicious eyes off those above and below them. Nick imbibes life in every fashion as he gets pulled into the eccentricities of new and old money.

His first opportunities and mistakes come in the form of his cousin Daisy (Carey Mulligan) and her silver-spooned polo playing husband Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton). They raise his awareness to the excess and debauchery available to those willing to pay the price. Alcohol infused and open to opportunities that abound, Nick finds himself in possession of a high-priced item. A party invitation sent by the wealthy and mysterious neighbor to his small cottage, Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio).

Fascinated by the man and overtaken by the hope therein, Nick falls into the well that is Gatsby. The stories unbelievable, the truths heart breaking; all culminate in a past that once was a future. Having difficulty expressing the extent of his mind and soul, Nick takes to a once dreamt profession and puts pen to paper to write a story that must be heard; even if in an echo to himself.

The art and direction of this movie is only exceeded by the acting of this superb cast. Maguire paints a picture with another man’s words and inflections that sets the stage for grand slams from DiCaprio, Mulligan and Edgerton. Every moment is moving with a willingness to carry you if need be. This story was bombastic in print and will be a nuclear explosion to those new to the story. With that in mind, don't be surprised if you walk out of the theater mentally speaking one word; "Gatsby".